Abundant Joy

Yesterday, the teachers completed their second day of teacher training with great success. They gave the Zambian teachers their first lesson on reading using phonics and ended the day by teaching them how to teach Bible stories through skits with their students. The skits were incredibly entertaining! They performed the Noah’s Ark story, Jonah and the Whale and David and Goliath. Although the Americans were more into it at the beginning, the Zambians quickly broke out of their shells and brought the drama!

The Hokey Pokey:

Jonah and the WhaleNoah’s Ark

 It was a gorgeous day in Lusaka, so after lunch we decided to get our “zen” on while Elizabeth took us through a yoga lesson. Our moves were entertaining to say the least, but Mel definitely took the cake by amusing us with her yoga positions.

In the afternoon, we had the opportunity to visit CURE. CURE Hospital’s mission is to be “a first world hospital in third world countries.” They provide healthcare to any child who is 18 years and younger and do not expect any type of payment.  We met children who had just come out of surgery to fix clubbed feet as well as babies who had hydrocephalus and were waiting to receive shunts to drain the fluid from their brains. We went around passing out lollipops to the children and loving on the moms. The mothers stayed close to their children ensuring that they were comfortable and cared for, and it was evident on their faces how grateful they were for CURE.

Last night, the girls had a conversation about some qualities Zambians possess that we feel are sometimes lacking in our own lives as well as missing in the United States. We have met Zambians that are incredibly consistent and steadfast in their faith in God even under the most challenging of circumstances. We have also seen a level of contentment with difficult situations that is very rare in the United States, and we are beginning to understand how important it is to pray with absolute faith in the power and compassion of our Father.  I continue to have two words that come to mind when I think of the Zambians I have met so far, and that is abundant joy. The amount of joy in everything they do, in every situation they face and just their openness to letting us Muzungus (white people) into their lives is really amazing to witness. We are so thankful to be here, and we are looking forward to our days ahead.

Blessings from Zambia,

Carly